New Habridas and the Panama Canal.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XIII, 26 March 1904, Page 53

New Habridas and the Panama Canal.

A QUESTION OF VITAL IMPORTANCE. Recent cables announcing that the United States Senate had ratified the Panama Canal treaty, and that Great Britain and France had agreed to a joint commission to proceed to the New Hebrides, possess unusual interest for Australia (says the Sydney “Daily Telegraph”). There is a connection between the two events which should not be allowed to escape notice. The financial, political, and international difficulties which have delayed the construction of the canal being now removed, and the United States being about to take the work up, there can be little doubt of its successful completion—possibly within the estimated period of ten years. A glance at the map will show that the new route, as has been previously pointed out, will shorten the voyage to and from Australia by some thousands of miles- This means lower freights and cheaper passages, and it is, therefore, surely to be largely, if not generally, availed of. This faet alone has an important bearing on the future of Australia. But the essential fact for present consideration is the connection of the opening of the new route with what is known as the New Hebrides question, since the route will pass through that archipelago. The terms of reference between the British and French Governments are still under negotiation. It is

stated that they will include the settlement of land disputes between the British and French ■ settlers, which are now both serious and frequent; but it may fairly be supposed that the scope of the joint commission will be more extended, and that it will pave the way for a settlement of the greater and real difficulty—the national ownership or sovereignty of the whole archipelago. The two Governments are now more friendly than they have been for many years, and the desire to prevent embroilment in the struggle now taking place in the Far East may possibly induce England to grant concessions to its astute Gallic neighbour which otherwise it would not do. The wish for conciliation may even lead England to not prwperly safeguard Australian interests in this matter.

It is evident that France places a high value on the New Hebrides, whilst there is little proof that England does. French settlers in the islands and in New Caledonia are making strenuous efforts for France to obtain possession of this important group of islands, and recent discussions in the French Parliament show that their claims are being well supported at Home. The great inducements held out to emigrants is causing French population and influence in the New Hebrides to extend rapidly. Australia ought surely to make its voice heard in the deliberations and work of the joint commission, and no time should bs lost in seeing that it has the opportunity of doing so.

A French newspaper putuished in the New Hebrides was the first to point out the increasing importance of the islands, owing to the fact that, when the Panama Canal was opened, they would be on the direct route to Australia, and to urge this as one of the chief reasons for endeavouring to secure French sovereignty over them. The opening of the route must largely enhance the commercial value of the islands, besides possibly making them points of strategic importance in naval and military operations in the Far East. In the hands of an unfriendly Power they would be a menace to the Commonwealth. Having regard to all the circumstances the New

Hebrides question assumes great seriousness, and momentous results may depend upon the terms of its solution- The interest of Australia demands that its consideration and settlement should be taken up in real earnest.